Page 2 of Tempting the Player
His hair is a dark brown, a little longer on top with a hint of curl. Today he’s in black athletic shorts and a gray T-shirt that stretches over his broad chest and muscular arms. His body speaks to hours spent in the gym. It’s hard to tell how tall he is, but I’m guessing he’s at least six foot three.
“Did you figure out if he goes to Valley or not?” Dahlia asks once my hottie mystery guy disappears out of sight.
“Not definitively, but I did see him in the parking lot behind University Hall one night as I was leaving a study group late.” Or I think it was him. It was dark and I was hurrying to my car since I was alone. “And he’s not at work at noon on a Monday, so I think it’s likely. Unless he’s unemployed. Or maybe he’s a model.” He looks like he could be a model.
“He could work nights. The campus health building is nearby.”
I nod thoughtfully. “Maybe he’s a doctor.”
“Kind of young to be a doctor.”
“A prodigy in the body of a god. Seriously, have you ever seen a hotter guy?”
She hums and gets this dreamy look on her face that she only gets when talking about her boyfriend. “I have, actually.”
“You know, they say love is blind but now I think I’m finally seeing it in action.”
Dahlia narrows her gaze at me. She’s sweet as can be until you talk smack about someone she loves, and she is madly in love with her boyfriend Felix.
“I’m kidding,” I say with a small laugh. “Felix is gorg, of course, but this guy...he just runs by, and I feel a little breathless. I might need to take up a lunchtime jogging hobby. Do you think I can still catch him?”
“You hate running.” She arches one brow at me while wearing an amused expression.
“Hated. Past tense. It’s me and my new boyfriend’s favorite hobby.”
“You’re too much.” My best friend’s smile widens. “I gotta go to practice. Do not chase after him.”
Dahlia grabs her golf clubs and heads out the front door.
“How else am I going to find out my boyfriend’s name?” I call after her.
* * *
By the time I head back to campus, the sun has gone behind the clouds, and it’s started to rain. As annoyed as I am about being caught without an umbrella or hat to keep my hair from getting drenched, I am so thankful to be here at college that I don’t speed up my pace.
I love being here. The buildings, the people, the freedom, all of it. The conversation with my parents just reminded me why I am fighting so hard to keep my life as normal as possible. This is my second chance to have some of the experiences I missed out on by not attending regular schools as a kid.
The library doors open as I approach. I run my fingers through my wet hair as I head upstairs to the second floor. It seems lots of people had the same idea to get inside and out of the rain and most of the tables are already taken.
While I continue across the floor searching for somewhere to sit, I hear my name being shouted over the hushed voices of the quiet library.
“Jane!”
I slow my steps and turn, but only because it’s polite. I could pick out Valley U’s Panhellenic Council President Paris Shultz’s voice anywhere. Her skin is flawless, and the smile that she flashes at me is so bubbly and happy that I feel bad for wishing I could figure out how to blow her off without being rude.
“Jane,” she says a touch more softly as she falls into step beside me. “Is it Jane or should I be calling you Ivy now?”
“Jane is fine.” I drop my backpack onto a free table. I don’t sit because I’m afraid she’ll take that as an invitation to do the same. “What’s up?”
She levels me with a no-nonsense expression, somehow still maintaining that wide smile. “I got the council to extend my deadline to find a performer. What do I have to do to get you to say yes to being my headliner at the Spring Fling?”
It isn’t the first time, or even the tenth, that she’s asked. She is as relentless as she is beautiful.
The Spring Fling is a student-run carnival that happens in April each year. The different organizations and groups across campus have booths to raise money. Everyone goes to it. Everyone. It’s one of the few events that somehow manages to appeal to all. And on the last night, there’s a concert.
“I’m so sorry. Like I said before, I’m not doing any shows right now, so I can focus on school. I’d love to participate in one of the booths or setup, whatever you need.”
“What Ineedis an amazing main act for the concert. You would be perfect.” She backs up a step as I open my mouth to tell her no (again). “Please don’t answer now. Just think about it.Reallythink about it.”
